Young Democrats urge support for Scotland

Luxembourg's Young Democrats have urged politicians to respect Scotland's upcoming referendum and to support the country as an EU member should it become independent.

12.09.2014

(CS) Luxembourg's Young Democrats (JDL) have urged politicians to respect Scotland's upcoming referendum and to support the country as an EU member should it become independent.

In a statement published on Friday, the JDL said that it has taken note of a series of Luxembourg and European politicians voicing scepticism about Scottish independence, explaining that it does not share this view but instead believes that it is up to the Scottish people to decide their fate.

“Since the end of the First World War, the right to self-determination is a pillar of international law,” it said. “When the Scottish people head to the polls on September 18, it is their decision, not Westminster's and definitely not that of other European governments.”

The Young Democrats also insisted that an independent Scotland would have to be accepted into the EU. “Edinburgh already respects the community acquis of the EU and, as a successor state of the United Kingdom, would have the right to become a member state of the EU.”

The youth branch of the DP therefore calls on political decision-makers in Luxembourg to stand with the Scottish people and leave no doubt about its membership.

“The JDL stands for the freedom of all Europeans and for a strong EU,” it concluded.

Neither the Luxembourg government nor the opposition have made an official statement on Scottish independence. Last year, Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said to the BBC: “As we are all facing serious economic and social challenges, this is a time for solidarity between Member States of the EU and within Member States, rather than for going separate ways.”

About the Scottish referendum more particularly, however, he added that, ultimately, the decision is up to voters in Scotland.